Trump Blocks Arms Package for Taiwan

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has declined to authorize a weapons shipment for Taiwan, The Washington Post revealed on Friday, citing five individuals with knowledge of the matter.

According to The Post, the move is connected to Trump’s attempts to secure a trade arrangement with Beijing, as well as his anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expected to take place during the APEC summit in South Korea next month.

The arms agreement, reportedly valued at over $400 million, was characterized as “more lethal” compared with earlier transfers.

As noted by The Post, Trump’s advisers argue that Taiwan ought to procure its own arms, mirroring the president’s “transactional” perspective on international relations. A White House representative told the outlet that the matter has not yet been settled.

Beijing, which regards the self-ruled island as an inseparable portion of its sovereign territory, firmly rejects any outside military support to Taipei. Xi has emphasized that China prefers peaceful reunification but retains the option of using force.

In December, China’s Foreign Ministry cautioned Taipei that “relying on the US to seek independence and using military means to pursue independence is a path to self-destruction.”

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry refused to remark directly on the disclosure but stressed that “Taiwan and the US maintain a close security cooperation mechanism, with all exchange programs carried out on schedule to build a comprehensive defense system.”

Washington has sanctioned multiple weapons sales to Taiwan in recent years, including the provision of NASAMS surface-to-air missile defense systems.

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